Africa-Press – Nigeria. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army for situating a Training Depot in the state, as he formally received the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, ahead of the Passing Out Parade, POP, of the first batch of recruits trained at the facility.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, explained that the ceremony is in line with a Presidential directive that declared a state of emergency on national security, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture and operational readiness.
As part of activities marking the historic graduation, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to Governor Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.
The Passing Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Osun, is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, and is regarded as a major step in the Army’s ongoing expansion of training capacity and manpower development.
Colonel Anele stated that the POP reflects the Federal Government’s intensified security strategy following the President’s directive, which mandates the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to scale up recruitment, training and deployment of well-prepared personnel to address evolving security challenges across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, during the visit, praised the Osun State Government for its cooperation and support, which he said were critical to the successful establishment of the Depot.
He described the facility as a strategic national resource that not only boosts the Army’s operational strength but also promotes youth empowerment and contributes to overall national stability.
The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s dedication to professionalism, discipline and high training standards, stressing that the newly graduated recruits are adequately prepared to be deployed for ongoing operations nationwide.
He also highlighted the role of strong civil-military relations in sustaining peace and security.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army for choosing Osun State to host the Training Depot, describing the graduation of the first set of recruits as a landmark achievement for the state.
He assured the COAS of the state government’s support for the Army and other security institutions.
The Passing Out Parade is expected to feature ceremonial drills, troop inspections and other military displays, marking the successful completion of basic training and the readiness of the recruits for active service.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, strengthening internal security and supporting national development in line with Presidential directives.
For More News And Analysis About Nigeria Follow Africa-Press
